Higher adherence to the MIND diet was associated with a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality (RR 0.86), cardiovascular disease mortality (RR 0.78), and cancer (RR 0.45).
Meta-Analysis (n=71,391)
Does greater adherence to the MIND diet reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and mortality?
Greater adherence to the MIND diet is associated with reduced risks of cancer, all-cause mortality, and CVD mortality, though not with incident CVD or hypertension.
Effect estimate: RR 0.86 (95% CI 0.81-0.92)
p-value: p=<0.001
BACKGROUND: Recent studies have focused on the relationship between the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet and the risk of chronic diseases and mortality. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to review and compile the available research and assess the possible relationship of the MIND diet score with cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), hypertension (HTN), and mortality risks. METHODS: A comprehensive and systematic search was performed in online databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to July 2025. Hazard ratios(HRs) or odds ratios(ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals(CIs) were extracted from the included studies, then to estimate the pooled results, the random-effects model with inverse variance weighting method was used. RESULTS: = 82.4%, P-heterogeneity < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that the greater adherence to the MIND diet may be associated with lower risk of cancer, all-cause mortality, and CVDs-mortality; however, no significant association was observed between the MIND diet and risk of HTN and CVDs. These findings should be interpreted cautiously due to substantial heterogeneity, potential publication bias, a moderate risk of bias, and the observational nature of the included studies. Further research is warranted to assess the long-term effects and potential relationship of the MIND diet with risk of these chronic outcomes. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: CRD420251014343.
Ahmadirad et al. (2026) conducted a meta-analysis in General population (n=71,391). MIND diet vs. Lowest adherence category was evaluated on All-cause mortality (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.81-0.92, p=<0.001). Higher adherence to the MIND diet was associated with a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality (RR 0.86), cardiovascular disease mortality (RR 0.78), and cancer (RR 0.45).
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